Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is imperative for a sustainable, competitive and innovative company and society at large. Diversity also goes beyond the outward perception of a company – it includes how the internal structures work and signal the value systems of an organization’s management or leadership team.
This series is designed by Diversify to centre Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. We look forward to seeing you!
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. (Harvard Health)
The word neurodiversity refers to differences within ALL people. However, it is often used to refer to those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities, where differences in behaviour and learning can be more apparent.
During this session of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace we will explore how workplaces, recruiters and we as individuals in our everyday interactions can become more aware of neurodiversity. By making conscious “accommodations”, neurodivergant people can be better included. With this awareness of neurodivergant ways of learning and behaving, neurodiversity can be accepted and celebrated, rather than excluded.
These accommodations can be things such as:
- the way we communicate (avoiding sarcasm, euphemisms, and implied messages)
- paying attention to what words you use (person first language)
- the set up of a workplace to be considerate of sound sensitivity and movement (allowing regular breaks or the use of fidget toys, for example)
Join us to hear from our panelists about their lived experience and to learn what can be done to create a more inclusive workplace and society.
This event is FREE to attend. Please register HERE to receive the zoom link.
Panelists
Rune-André Tveit (he/him)
Rune-André is an entrepreneurial minded person with a passion for sharing his knowledge and experience. Rune has started Excalibur Startup Academy which aims to democratize knowledge on entrepreneurship by offering webcourses, coaching and workshops. Their webcourse Grunderformelen, which is a fully self paced online course, consists of twelve modules on a variety of topics which will give aspiring entrepreneurs the tools they need to execute their ideas. In the course you will learn from entrepreneurs, investors, consultants and people that teach business.
At the age of seven, Rune was diagnosed as dyslectic. This became a negative label for him all throughout school, and because of it he had to work twice as hard! But at the age 30 he realized he had been wrongly diagnosed as a kid, as he realized he had ADHD. That’s when things fell in to place and things got easier. In this session he’ll share his perspectives on the importance of Neurodiversity.
Nesceda Blake (she/her)
Nesceda Blake is an autistic woman and performing arts producer from Melbourne, Australia. She endeavours to create positive change in the world around her by sharing her neurodivergent experiences.
Her posts and article on LinkedIn have received over 900,000 views, with thousands of individuals learning how to make the working world a better place for neurodivergent people. Nesceda has also begun speaking with employers, entrepreneurs and recruiters to spread the word about neuro-inclusivity, and challenges businesses to rethink how diversity and inclusion practices can achieve actual equity.
Nesceda currently works as a Senior Officer, Student Theatre and Engagement at La Trobe University, where she gets to share her passion for the arts with emerging student creatives.
Chisom Udeze (she/h
er)
Chisom is an Economist, Organizational Design and DEI Strategist, and a 3 times founder with over 12 years of experience working with organizations like the European Commission, The United Nations and ExxonMobil. Chisom has an analytical mind and works to interrogate the cross-sectoral relationship between society’s resources, production, distribution and output. She is adept at efficiently and effectively unlocking complex systems, data management, forecasting economic and social trends, and thrives in uncertain environments.
As the founder of Diversify, Chisom works with companies, governments and civil society to facilitate measurable diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace and society. In 2020, mid-pandemic, she founded HerSpace, a diverse and inclusive co-creation community for all genders, with particular focus on women-led companies and mothers. She is a thought-leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness.
